A big designer fashion and homeware store has closed its branch in a North East city centre.

French Connection, which had its branch on Grainger Street next to Eldon Square, just opposite Grey’s Monument.

The retailer was founded in 1972, and had a branch in Newcastle for the last 20 years.

There are now signs visible in the window letting customers know about the closure and directing people to shop online.

Read more: Babul's of Barnard Castle wins prestigious title at the Asian Restaurant Awards

A French Connection concession can be found in the city's John Lewis store.

The Newcastle closure follows other French Connection stores shutting their doors across the country recently, including the closure of the Manchester branch in July.

A contributory factor to the closures is the impact of the pandemic and a reduction in footfall.

Across Britain, there are around seven standalone French Connection stores and over 50 concessions in department stores including John Lewis, House of Fraser, and Fenwick.

Read more: Bishop Auckland fashion store heads to auction - here's what you'll have to pay

To get more Tyne & Wear stories straight to your email basket, click here.

The brand is well known for its controversial campaign launched in 1997 when the abbreviation FCUK, which stands for French Connection United Kingdom, was used in the cheeky slogan, ‘fcuk fashion’.

The Northern Echo has approached French Connection for comment.